“We believe in walking in two worlds: education and culture,” says Tyra Moses.
“Our people are strong, resilient and industrious”, she says, “I want to bring authentic Indigenous voices merged with academia.”
One woman band, Tyra Moses, well-known photographer and artist in Yellowknife has created a Dene focused media site to showcase Dene stories through art, photography and video.
When asked what her greatest inspiration was for starting this media group Moses says, It would have to be my daughter, Z Rain.
“I want her to feel comfortable and inspired by her Dene culture and heritage. I want her to be strong in her identity because I believe that’s what helped me as an artist, woman and mother.”
The goal for Dene Media is to build an organization of Dene artists, researches and academics to contribute their stories and experiences, she says.
Moses is working on getting the official Dene Media website and YouTube channel up and running by mid September and she is working on developing a podcast in the future.
Dene Media is also working towards providing educational content, “so youth have a better understanding of who they are,” she says.
“Throughout this process, I’m never alone. Although I am doing this alone, I am not alone. It’s very much a community effort,” says Moses.
Jaylene Delorme-Euggins, board member of the Native Women’s Association, remembers her time working with Moses to help raise awareness for the Wet’suwet’en conflict over a gas pipeline in B.C.
“Watching Tyra has helped me to be more confident in my culture, shamelessly,” she says, “It’s time to take our voices back.”
Moses calls on the public to share its content in different mediums to aid in the building of the site.
